1. Electric Rates 101: Understand Your Rates, Control Your Bill
2016 New Hampshire Local Energy Solutions Conference
Jim Bride, Energy Tariff Experts
Nick Hill, Hill Energy Services LLC

2. Agenda
Understanding your electric bill will give you tools to control your energy costs and usage.
Energy Procurement Strategies and Stories
Pricing and Policy: The Cloudy Crystal Ball
Next steps - building on
this information

3. Buying Electricity??? Yes, electricity is a product
Electricity can be confusing to purchase (think about buying insurance)
The State has some good resources -

4. New Hampshire Default Supply Rates
Rates change – usually every 6 months for residential & small commercial, monthly for the larger one
Notice the volatility, PSNH is higher but steadier

5. Pricing: Capacity & Congestion
The electric grid has congestion issues
Everyone has a cost allocated to them
Related to Demand

6. Pricing Options Factors Include: Risk tolerance Budget certainty
Market conditions/outlook
Flexible Operations
Renewable energy
You can get anything you want ….

7. Suppliers, Brokers and Aggregators ….
Everyone is licensed, but it’s scary out there
The state lists over 30 suppliers and over 100 aggregators/brokers …
Suppliers own the power that you’re buying
Aggregators & brokers are agents
Everyone gets paid in the end

8. Legal Stuff …… You’re signing a contract
How long can you sign a contract for?
Municipalities and non-appropriation clauses
Contract length and risk management
What’s included in the price?
Contingencies – what happens if ….
You use less power?
Terminate the contract
Late payments?

9. Case Study: NRPC Aggregation
The Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) provides a wide variety of planning and environmental services to its member communities
Competitive electricity aggregation began in 2012
17 entities (towns & schools) have participated
Over $1.5 million saved
Transparent process, costs are shared

10. NRPC Aggregation: Process & Lessons
Coordination
Documentation
Analysis
Issuing the RFP
Getting and reviewing bids
Execution

11. The Crystal Ball: Price trends

12. Building on this Information
Knowledge is Power
Control your rates
Reduce your usage
Manage your loads (demand)
Renewables

13. Questions and Discussion
Nicholas Hill, CEM, LEED-AP BD+C
Hill Energy Services LLC
Tel: